The level of professionalism on display here is a real pleasure to watch. Pay attention kids, serving the song and playing without ego. Note how many times, Paul uses the word “please”, manners make it a pleasure for everyone.
Please understand. This session was about doing my lifelong friend a favor and he one for me by letting Vic Firth use bits of his session and song to simply show a short session. If we had played the entire song there would have been licensing issues. If we had put vocals on it, they could have been copied as song ideas and that would have been bad. The gloves are because of sever arthritis in my right hand from playing 50 years. I tried just using a right glove. Then some folks said I was trying to look like Michael Jackson. So I went to using both. I guess they are right when they say there are folks out there that just have to find something bad in everything. Thank you to 230,000 viewers and the 95% nice comments. Happy Holidays to all. Here's to another 50 years of music. CMA Country Christmas will re-air on ABC TV Christmas Eve. Lots of different styles on that and we all sight read it, mostly first takes on the pre-record. Just sayin. God Bless. P
Paul Leim you're brilliant sir. You've played on countless records and songs that millions have grown up on. Thank you for your brilliance and God bless you. Well done for all your years that you have dedicated to music. 😊👍🏻✝
This is how it's done, folks. 90% of drum recording is just playing a steady, fatback groove to support the ensemble. I really like the part when Paul removes a fill he did earlier because it steps on the lead vocals. I've been playing professionally for almost 40 years - and no one ever paid me to play like Dave Weckl. This video is a great glimpse into the nuts and bolts of studio recording - and Paul Leim is one of the best!
I once got hired by a producer who told me "I don't want you tearing up the set and I'm not paying you by the beat" and I laughed and said i won't be tearing up the drum set because I can't! A few tunes into the project and he could see my ability to just lay down a beat and he told me I was just what he wanted!
I see a lot of comments on this video Vic Firth asked me to do for them. Most folks get it. We have a very limited budget for my dear friend Robin Hood. And we are trying to get 5 songs recorded in 3 hours. It is a pressure cooker. If we don't get them everyone is disappointed and he has wasted his money on my selection of musicians for his music and session. Thank you so much to those who understand what this session was for and about. And that was Not Me. Doing records it is never, ever about me. On Master sessions we have more time than that. Most of the Country hits of the 60's and 70's were recorded exactly this way. That is what I was trying to show. Basically Time is Money. For those geniuses (JB comment below) asking for a drum solo and putting down what I have made a living at for 50 years. I have this to say. If I had insisted on a drum solo (like you probably would have to assuage you overblown ego) I would have ruined this session and recording. Vinnie and Steve, Dave and Peter are all good friends and would tell you exactly the same thing. You stuff your ego in a bag when you walk into a session with a professional attitude. Play what the songs needs. Steve would take a bullet before playing a drum solo in the middle of Fire and Rain with JT. I have been on over 300 million records with all kinds of music, from Doc Severinsen, to Roy Rogers, and Tom Jones to Shania Twain, Whitney Houston, and Kenny Rogers, and Chesney. The London Symphony, and Star Wars soundtracks. Big Band and Live TV. So I have nothing to prove to JB here on anyone else. And yes, I became a financially successful record making expert in the process. Thank to everyone for listening all these years, and to my response now. Even those who find being successful repugnant or evoking jealousy. When I was doing 450 sessions a year in Dallas in the 70's guys, out of North Texas State University (one of the finest musical educations in the world) would as to come into the studio with me and see a session. Then they would say, "I just want to Move to NY and play Jazz and starve!" I would say, "Well then that is exactly what you should do". I wish everyone to have their dreams come true playing music of all kinds, like I have. Be blessed my friends. Life is Good. P
Man it really warms my heart that after all you are a human with feelings. I mean its the irony - you play great, but even an internet troll can hurt you. Yeah, because you are a living being, not an half digital internet spawn. Keep it up, those who understand admire your work.
So, wait JJ, how many Diamond selling albums have you played on? Okay, how about Platinum? Gold? Number 1 hits? The joke is, while you troll away, Paul is working as he has for 50 years and with the biggest artists in the world. So your comments have no weight or value other than giving those of us who get it a chance to reiterate how brilliant Paul is. Word of mouth is everything in this business and so far the word on you is dick! The internet remembers. Good luck!!
There's one thing this guy does so incredibly well that I'm sick to my stomach even just thinking about it. His snare hits are SO EVEN across the board. It's like his hands are made of pure MIDI and can be programmed to hit at a specific level every single time. He is every engineer and producer's wettest dream. The only problem I can see recording him is that I wouldn't feel like I was actually doing any work behind that mixing desk :)
As a drummer for 40 years, 22 years with Big Bands,professionaly,etc... I can only say how impossible is to play like this on such level ! Most people don"t get it ! I"m learned a lot from people like Paul...You are Great,man...!!
That punch in was sooooo tight. People have no idea how long you must hang around in studios as a drummer to get it so tight the engineer can punch you in at exact moments, with the same tempo/expression/dynamic/etc. The reason he is Paul Leim.
After some wonderful personal comments through my website from longtime drummers and professionals at the highest levels of their professions, who are fans and always have loved drums and drumming as I have. And congratulating me on getting to do music in my life at the highest level of every genre for all my life. To those who called me a 'rock and roll wanna be' and 'turd in a bowl'.. I will quote an expert in his field that told me how to respond to these kind of asshole wanna be's.. And I quote his supporting comment. "Paul, One thing I've learned over the years is that everybody is an "expert" on things they don't know anything about." So you wanna bee's that have a negative comment on my 50 years of playing at the top level with the most famous artists on the planet, on millions of records..... I won't even give you the pleasure of my first response.... The second and appropriate one is 'Have a Nice Day' .. LMAO Paul
Paul Leim It's a nice surprise to see you responding as I rewatch this video for a little inspiration before a Christmas rehearsal tonight! Always been a fan of your career, from the radio jingles to the present, and I'm grateful for this insight of a session! Thanks for the music, and all the best from OKC!
jjB: I am not in a drum or popularity contest. And never intended to be. Dave, Steve, Kenny, Vinnie and many top pros are all my good friends as Jeff was. We all respect each other for what we do. We would never make comments about each other like this. We have all been at this for over 40 years and established ourselves, and are happy in our own skin. That being said, and being a feeling human being, I do read what people say and I get my feeling hurt when folks say nasty things like you do. So you accomplished what you wanted. This was a simple session of simple songs simply to show what a fast 'demo session' is like. It was not brain surgery or sight reading a Big Band chart with John Williams, (which I have also done). So..whatever your name is, I wish you the best in life and hope you can enjoy it. Paul
I normally dont get into spars like this--but this is ridiculous--your career speaks volumes in itself--u shouldnt have 2 explain yourself 2 ANYBODY--PERIOD!!--I dont know who this guy is but he apparently has issues--as an up and coming session player myself who wishes he had even 1% of your resume--I appreciate this video --it gives insight on what the industry entails and what 2 expect when getting 2 the big cities--Man,just keep your head up and keep doing what u do--u have nothing 2 prove 2 ANYBODY
Paul was the co-producer on this session. And the producer (Robin Hood) is the guy who got him started when he was 15... Robin produced all the great ZZ Top recordings (La Grange, etc). All great guys!
Paul is a legend. Right up there with Greg marrow , Lonnie Wilson , Dan needham, John Robinson, Shannon Forest, Redmond etc. One of the OGs. The definition of a pro session player. Awesome insight.
Paul, you are a pro and a machine! You were kind enough to speak to me on the phone for advice about 20 years ago. I’ll never forget it. I wish you had more videos like this. Thank you for everything that you do!
As a producer who's come up through the garage punk, indie rock, and now producing synth-pop for the majors, I'm absolutely blown away by the DISCIPLINE -- more than anything (I mean, killer playing ability is a given with Nashville vets...they're just untouchable!). Wonderful video. So glad I stumbled across it while doing late night trolling on RUclips;-) Inspires me to be better in every way.
Mr. Leim, I've followed you for many, many years and have admired your playing since I was around 14 years old. Being brought up in Texas, I was raised on country music so It seemed natural for me when I started playing drums to gravitate towards country studio players like yourself, Larry Londin, Eddie Bayers, Milton Sledge, and Rick Marotta. The comments from some below are ridiculous. Thanks for posting this video! It was cool to see the process and get a look into that world. Thanks for the inspiration over the past ____ years. You're a legend! Thank you! Oh and your kit is freakin' sweeeeet!!!!
High school with money. Great line. Great insight on how talented Nashville musicians are. It's a business folks, and you gotta be damn good to be able to be part of it.
Paul Leim laying that solid foundation down. Everything Paul talked about and the way he led this band is how it goes down in a Nashville environment. I suggest watching this video to get an idea of what it's like to be in a Nashville session if you're thinking of making the move there. Truly a Nashville/Texas professional making it look easy! Thanks for the video Paul!
I have nothing but respect for working musicians. And it’s a treat to see it done in this way. These guys are there for a song and not to change the face of country. I think anytime music sells a certain amount people like to capitalize on that and it works for all genres. Guys who are mad at the establishment really need to look inside themselves and decide what their life’s work will be. It’s nobody’s fault you are not where you want to be. People want to hear this stuff and people are ready to make it.
I was lucky to meet Paul on my wife's Birthday when we were visiting an attraction in Tennessee on a holiday from the UK. I couldn't believe my luck to be in the same tour group and he was nothing but a gent - incredibly insightful and only happy to talk drums and give advice on what (retrospectively) should have been his day off. To anybody who can't summon up the smallest bit of respect for somebody who CLEARLY knows his craft, I'd invite you to share your discography and success at making a living at something that's incredibly hard to do consistently at this level.
Paul, i played in bands for years that rehearsed and rehearsed and.......WENT NOWHERE. To see how rapidly you could put a track together left me speechless, WOW. IMPRESSED!
The producer is Robin Hood Brians. Robin engineered the first three ZZ Top albums at his studio in Tyler, Tx. as well as recording their live album. He's been a hit record engineer/producer since the 1960's. His first big hit at his studio was Judy In Disguise by John Fred and the Playboy band. Robin has been a good friend of mine for 50 years. Paul is from Troup, Tx. and started out playing on sessions at Robin Hood's studio in Tyler. Paul set in with my band one night. Great drummer. Solid as a rock.
At 5:58 he sums up what it's all about, I've never played a session, but I did do voiceover work while I was in Nashville, and trust me, when studio time is booked and the meter's running, you'll feel the pressure..
man, Paul is living the life. Banging out tunes in the studio and getting paid well for it. What a dream. Country wouldn't be my first choice but it's playing music for a living. I'll take it! :D
I remember watching this a long time ago. I found it again, wanting to check the personnel of "(I've had) The Time of My Life", since it's grooving so hard. This guy shows up. What an amazing and groovy musician! Big respect, Mr Leim!
Except that they never play more than the most vanilla stuff possible to appease the sheep they are shilling this stuff to. What difference does it make how good they are when all we get is the same boring shit over and over again out of Nashville?
Just because these guys make it look so easy anyone could do it doesn't mean its easy. Wow Paul is an amazing musician as is this whole band! Its always amazing to me how musicians at this level can make it look so easy. Its also amazing just how tight and rock solid the rhytm is and how there is not one thing that is too much or too little. Loved it!!
they've recorded forever so its pretty easy for them but that's the only reason. They know every little nuance to throw in or remove, and when to do it. Is amazing.
3 Quick things to say here: 1) I LOVE Drummers who can THINK! 2) I can do without drum machines & samples...who simply CANNOT. ...and... 3) THANK YOU PAUL for being such an integral part of Brown Bannister's early & very essential sessions for Amy Grant's early season of albums. Your percussive backbone, made those recordings BEAUTIFUL! BCRadio
WOW! Thank you so much for making this video. My 15-year-old son, who is my drummer, and I just watched this video and loved, its been a while since I've been in the studio, but to let him watch you write number charts and redo them, and punch in, and create like a fine oiled machine, was poetry in motion. Such a blessing. Thanks again to both Vic Firth and Paul Leim for doing it. Oh and my boy loves playing his Vic Firth sticks. They're his favorites.
Why do people who are utterly clueless insist on commenting on videos like this? Do you have any idea how hard it is to play this well? If you could play as well as Paul Leim, you'd be working in Nashville. But I guarantee all your "innovative feel chops and drum sounds" would get you fired off this record in a heartbeat. Paul overdubbed the tom fill because the part was asked for by the producer, after the main take was done. The idea that this is "business-people's music" is ludicrous. These guys are on this session BECAUSE they can get it done fast, so that it doesn't cost a lot of money to the person who actually wrote the song. It has nothing to do with what they want to play. It could very well be that the songwriter spent 5 months working on the song before this. It's irrelevant. The arrogance it takes to insult some of the best, most consistent, and musical players in the world is also the reason you are not one of them.
+davidfmmacd And then again, it DOES sound like all the other millions of country takes, regardless how well Paul Leim played the parts and how well theyfir into the style of music - but that's not the musicians fault, it's the song writer's. And this still is a demo tape. He overplayed the HiHat though. Strange that even Pros still do that. It clearly overpowers the snare in the mix. I first suspected this was because it was just a rough mix for this video, but if you look closely you can observe him smashing the hats harder than even his snare drum.
Wish there was more studio video of you Paul - even though it might bring more idiotic comments - there is so much that serious players could learn from watching you
Love that part about walking on the vocal. I'm working with my very favorite vocalist, who used to sing with the guys in STP in the 90's. He's in SoCal, and I'm in Detroit, so I did a demo for him here, and one of the things I was very conscious of, was not to step on his vocals with a fill... Free education from Paul on so many points
I most certainly learned alot from being that I'm currently recording myself and well have less experience. I digged the double layers and the "punch in" i just love how he took control of the whole situation like a true profressional and that's something I'm still learning. OWN IT! Mistakes and all. Thanx for this PAUL!
Loved watching this process and a small insight on how leading and taking input to come to a finished product. And...I don't even do country music. Paul you are living the dream.
I think I already commented on this video a few years ago-but Paul, this is awesome to see y’all doing your thing! Thank you for this! I met you in Toronto back in 2003, for a Yamaha Hang and you were so lovely to me! All the best! 🤜🏻🤛🏻
This is invaluable insight into the day to day, on the ground, working side of the music industry. People who dismiss this as corporate fluff are fixating on Paul's very clear explanation of the basic economics of the business. Those economics apply not just to this style of music but to any style, anytime producers are hiring players to make demos, produce content for different media outlets, etc. If you have a massive pile of cash at hand and can afford to pay musicians long hours to experiment, or if you don't expect to make any money at it and you have somehow found other musicians who don't care about being paid for their time, then those ideas don't apply. But for working musicians, that's simply the business.
Brother I didn't understand a thing you were talking about. But man I loved listening to what you were talking about and doing. It is truly great listening to a real pro. I am a life long fan of yours.
And this is how its done, amazing process. well done Paul, it is a stunning view on how extremely well versed everyone is with how a song is constructed.
This is awesome! Im a DIY amature musician writer producer working on my 20th original cd. 'In the studio' videos like this get me inspired. Thank You & God Bless
WOW!!! Thank you VicFirth for the great sticks and amazing culture you guys continue to make for our drumming community. Paul, it's an honor to get an inside glimpse of your process. You're the most rock solid and legit drummer we can think of and paved the way for us. I do understand how people will tear down an artist. It's a survival mechanism, a primal defense, that people use due to exposure to malignant people in their lives. For me, I need to learn how to remember that reacting to these people is a conscience choice and I don't need to go there. I digress, thanks again Paul. Be well.
Found my way here looking for a record producer.. The brilliance and energy of this group sure gives a perfect picture of what I had in mind.. the question is how does a beginner get a foot in THAT door with new songs and a new artist...??
“People ask ‘how can I get in?’” Move to a town with a music scene that’s not big yet, find a group of guys you work well with, do this for 30 years, and hope it blows up like Nashville did.
I really enjoyed watching your video. It was a wake-up call. We are in the process of purchasing the Rupert Neve Design 5080 48 input. However, only one session player is up to your level. I know you know how lucky you are. I can’t imagine having a group of friends with your talent in one room. I’m blown away. I am also jealous you have a team of people. You are one blessed group. Cheers to all of you.🎉
WOW! what a fantastic insight of how it is to be a top musician we have witnessed . Its cool to have chops and stuff but people...YA GOTTA HAVE GOOD EARS!!!
Now I record myself by myself playing every instrument in my home studio working with new material it s really fun how all of it comes together in music .never had my own band
I'll never forget when you decided to change the snare strand out at the Opry and you finished doing it right when the curtains started opening. It gave me anxiety watching it!!! Lol but at the same time was very impressive!!! Love your playing playing Paul and Blessings Brother!!!!
Whoa!! Paul, just keep being you my man and putting out that groove you are known for. Obviously some folks haven't done their homework on your catalog of work. Nice job with the TRBB at the Inauguration and tell Jeff Cox I said hey.
The level of professionalism on display here is a real pleasure to watch. Pay attention kids, serving the song and playing without ego. Note how many times, Paul uses the word “please”, manners make it a pleasure for everyone.
Please understand. This session was about doing my lifelong friend a favor and he one for me by letting Vic Firth use bits of his session and song to simply show a short session. If we had played the entire song there would have been licensing issues. If we had put vocals on it, they could have been copied as song ideas and that would have been bad. The gloves are because of sever arthritis in my right hand from playing 50 years. I tried just using a right glove. Then some folks said I was trying to look like Michael Jackson. So I went to using both. I guess they are right when they say there are folks out there that just have to find something bad in everything. Thank you to 230,000 viewers and the 95% nice comments. Happy Holidays to all. Here's to another 50 years of music. CMA Country Christmas will re-air on ABC TV Christmas Eve. Lots of different styles on that and we all sight read it, mostly first takes on the pre-record. Just sayin. God Bless. P
I did not meet you in Nville. I met Eddie Bayers just when he came to town. After reading this ,your a top shelf fella.
I am a session drummer and work with several different producers. I found you to be inspirational, and educational. Thank you Paul!
Paul can you tell me what the mutes are on the heads in this video?
Paul Leim you're brilliant sir. You've played on countless records and songs that millions have grown up on. Thank you for your brilliance and God bless you. Well done for all your years that you have dedicated to music. 😊👍🏻✝
What is the name of this band??
This is how it's done, folks. 90% of drum recording is just playing a steady, fatback groove to support the ensemble. I really like the part when Paul removes a fill he did earlier because it steps on the lead vocals. I've been playing professionally for almost 40 years - and no one ever paid me to play like Dave Weckl. This video is a great glimpse into the nuts and bolts of studio recording - and Paul Leim is one of the best!
100% this.
Thats was very pro
yup, less is more!
I once got hired by a producer who told me "I don't want you tearing up the set and I'm not paying you by the beat" and I laughed and said i won't be tearing up the drum set because I can't! A few tunes into the project and he could see my ability to just lay down a beat and he told me I was just what he wanted!
I knew a drummer who hated certain songs because the drum tracks were boring to him. Drummers just want to solo all the way through the track.
Yeah! More of these behind the scenes drum sessions at the studio. I could watch these all day.
I see a lot of comments on this video Vic Firth asked me to do for them. Most folks get it. We have a very limited budget for my dear friend Robin Hood. And we are trying to get 5 songs recorded in 3 hours. It is a pressure cooker. If we don't get them everyone is disappointed and he has wasted his money on my selection of musicians for his music and session. Thank you so much to those who understand what this session was for and about. And that was Not Me. Doing records it is never, ever about me.
On Master sessions we have more time than that. Most of the Country hits of the 60's and 70's were recorded exactly this way. That is what I was trying to show. Basically Time is Money.
For those geniuses (JB comment below) asking for a drum solo and putting down what I have made a living at for 50 years. I have this to say. If I had insisted on a drum solo (like you probably would have to assuage you overblown ego) I would have ruined this session and recording. Vinnie and Steve, Dave and Peter are all good friends and would tell you exactly the same thing. You stuff your ego in a bag when you walk into a session with a professional attitude. Play what the songs needs. Steve would take a bullet before playing a drum solo in the middle of Fire and Rain with JT. I have been on over 300 million records with all kinds of music, from Doc Severinsen, to Roy Rogers, and Tom Jones to Shania Twain, Whitney Houston, and Kenny Rogers, and Chesney. The London Symphony, and Star Wars soundtracks. Big Band and Live TV. So I have nothing to prove to JB here on anyone else. And yes, I became a financially successful record making expert in the process. Thank to everyone for listening all these years, and to my response now. Even those who find being successful repugnant or evoking jealousy. When I was doing 450 sessions a year in Dallas in the 70's guys, out of North Texas State University (one of the finest musical educations in the world) would as to come into the studio with me and see a session. Then they would say, "I just want to Move to NY and play Jazz and starve!" I would say, "Well then that is exactly what you should do". I wish everyone to have their dreams come true playing music of all kinds, like I have. Be blessed my friends. Life is Good. P
Paul Leim You rock! Got the pleasure of seeing you live with Mike Nesmith couple years back!
Thanks Bud.. Had fun with Nez back in the 70's and in 12-13.. Thanks for coming. Happy New Year. Paul
Man it really warms my heart that after all you are a human with feelings. I mean its the irony - you play great, but even an internet troll can hurt you. Yeah, because you are a living being, not an half digital internet spawn. Keep it up, those who understand admire your work.
Are you still on here IDIOT, you are not for real, nobody is this stupid, but there is a first time for everything LOL!!
So, wait JJ, how many Diamond selling albums have you played on? Okay, how about Platinum? Gold? Number 1 hits? The joke is, while you troll away, Paul is working as he has for 50 years and with the biggest artists in the world. So your comments have no weight or value other than giving those of us who get it a chance to reiterate how brilliant Paul is. Word of mouth is everything in this business and so far the word on you is dick! The internet remembers. Good luck!!
There's one thing this guy does so incredibly well that I'm sick to my stomach even just thinking about it. His snare hits are SO EVEN across the board. It's like his hands are made of pure MIDI and can be programmed to hit at a specific level every single time. He is every engineer and producer's wettest dream. The only problem I can see recording him is that I wouldn't feel like I was actually doing any work behind that mixing desk :)
As a drummer for 40 years, 22 years with Big Bands,professionaly,etc... I can only say how impossible is to play like this on such level ! Most people don"t get it ! I"m learned a lot from people like Paul...You are Great,man...!!
I swear I watch this every few days. I admire how professional these guys are. His pocket, groove, flow and style is admirable. I love it
That punch in was sooooo tight. People have no idea how long you must hang around in studios as a drummer to get it so tight the engineer can punch you in at exact moments, with the same tempo/expression/dynamic/etc.
The reason he is Paul Leim.
After some wonderful personal comments through my website from longtime drummers and professionals at the highest levels of their professions, who are fans and always have loved drums and drumming as I have. And congratulating me on getting to do music in my life at the highest level of every genre for all my life. To those who called me a 'rock and roll wanna be' and 'turd in a bowl'.. I will quote an expert in his field that told me how to respond to these kind of asshole wanna be's.. And I quote his supporting comment. "Paul, One thing I've learned over the years is that everybody is an "expert" on things they don't know anything about." So you wanna bee's that have a negative comment on my 50 years of playing at the top level with the most famous artists on the planet, on millions of records..... I won't even give you the pleasure of my first response.... The second and appropriate one is 'Have a Nice Day' .. LMAO Paul
The world is full of haters
Paul Leim It's a nice surprise to see you responding as I rewatch this video for a little inspiration before a Christmas rehearsal tonight! Always been a fan of your career, from the radio jingles to the present, and I'm grateful for this insight of a session! Thanks for the music, and all the best from OKC!
Joey Breezes you are welcome Joey. Have a great Holiday season. God Bless. P
jjB: I am not in a drum or popularity contest. And never intended to be. Dave, Steve, Kenny, Vinnie and many top pros are all my good friends as Jeff was. We all respect each other for what we do. We would never make comments about each other like this. We have all been at this for over 40 years and established ourselves, and are happy in our own skin. That being said, and being a feeling human being, I do read what people say and I get my feeling hurt when folks say nasty things like you do. So you accomplished what you wanted. This was a simple session of simple songs simply to show what a fast 'demo session' is like. It was not brain surgery or sight reading a Big Band chart with John Williams, (which I have also done). So..whatever your name is, I wish you the best in life and hope you can enjoy it. Paul
I normally dont get into spars like this--but this is ridiculous--your career speaks volumes in itself--u shouldnt have 2 explain yourself 2 ANYBODY--PERIOD!!--I dont know who this guy is but he apparently has issues--as an up and coming session player myself who wishes he had even 1% of your resume--I appreciate this video --it gives insight on what the industry entails and what 2 expect when getting 2 the big cities--Man,just keep your head up and keep doing what u do--u have nothing 2 prove 2 ANYBODY
Paul was the co-producer on this session. And the producer (Robin Hood) is the guy who got him started when he was 15... Robin produced all the great ZZ Top recordings (La Grange, etc). All great guys!
What is a Co-pruducer?
Paul is a legend. Right up there with Greg marrow , Lonnie Wilson , Dan needham, John Robinson, Shannon Forest, Redmond etc. One of the OGs. The definition of a pro session player. Awesome insight.
If you left out several..
Paul Leim is a living LEGEND!! Thank you Sir for your great inspiration!!
Paul, you are a pro and a machine! You were kind enough to speak to me on the phone for advice about 20 years ago. I’ll never forget it. I wish you had more videos like this. Thank you for everything that you do!
I retired from playing bass 5 years ago after playing for over 40 years....there is nothing like playing with excellent tight pure musicians!!!
Paul is the best his drumming is on point his ideas are just perfect one of my favorite drummers of ALL time
As a producer who's come up through the garage punk, indie rock, and now producing synth-pop for the majors, I'm absolutely blown away by the DISCIPLINE -- more than anything (I mean, killer playing ability is a given with Nashville vets...they're just untouchable!).
Wonderful video. So glad I stumbled across it while doing late night trolling on RUclips;-) Inspires me to be better in every way.
What an awesome glimpse into a pro session. Thanks Paul!
Paul Leim's pocket is so beautiful. Thank you so much for this! Just wow
Mr. Leim, I've followed you for many, many years and have admired your playing since I was around 14 years old. Being brought up in Texas, I was raised on country music so It seemed natural for me when I started playing drums to gravitate towards country studio players like yourself, Larry Londin, Eddie Bayers, Milton Sledge, and Rick Marotta. The comments from some below are ridiculous. Thanks for posting this video! It was cool to see the process and get a look into that world. Thanks for the inspiration over the past ____ years. You're a legend! Thank you! Oh and your kit is freakin' sweeeeet!!!!
That was fun. Studio musicians, the unsung heroes.
Incredible. They make it look so easy.
Few people will ever understand how good these musicians are.
Session players are the holy grail of musicians!!!!🙏🙏🙏
High school with money. Great line. Great insight on how talented Nashville musicians are. It's a business folks, and you gotta be damn good to be able to be part of it.
PAUL LEIM=LEGEND! Had a the pleasure to watch him in person a couple of days ago on a session. He was incredible!
Paul Leim laying that solid foundation down. Everything Paul talked about and the way he led this band is how it goes down in a Nashville environment. I suggest watching this video to get an idea of what it's like to be in a Nashville session if you're thinking of making the move there. Truly a Nashville/Texas professional making it look easy! Thanks for the video Paul!
I have nothing but respect for working musicians. And it’s a treat to see it done in this way. These guys are there for a song and not to change the face of country. I think anytime music sells a certain amount people like to capitalize on that and it works for all genres. Guys who are mad at the establishment really need to look inside themselves and decide what their life’s work will be. It’s nobody’s fault you are not where you want to be. People want to hear this stuff and people are ready to make it.
I was lucky to meet Paul on my wife's Birthday when we were visiting an attraction in Tennessee on a holiday from the UK. I couldn't believe my luck to be in the same tour group and he was nothing but a gent - incredibly insightful and only happy to talk drums and give advice on what (retrospectively) should have been his day off. To anybody who can't summon up the smallest bit of respect for somebody who CLEARLY knows his craft, I'd invite you to share your discography and success at making a living at something that's incredibly hard to do consistently at this level.
Love the tempo and groove of this song. Really like his feel and approach to his drumming.
Paul, i played in bands for years that rehearsed and rehearsed and.......WENT NOWHERE. To see how rapidly you could put a track together left me speechless, WOW. IMPRESSED!
The nashville number system - learn something new everyday - thx 4 sharing
Old school. Down and dirty. The way it should be done. No bs. Just pure talent and music.
"You guys ought to do this for a livin'. You're really good. You'll get paid for this." LOL, the producer is phenomenal. He cracked me up.
The producer is Robin Hood Brians. Robin engineered the first three ZZ Top albums at his studio in Tyler, Tx. as well as recording their live album. He's been a hit record engineer/producer since the 1960's. His first big hit at his studio was Judy In Disguise by John Fred and the Playboy band. Robin has been a good friend of mine for 50 years. Paul is from Troup, Tx. and started out playing on sessions at Robin Hood's studio in Tyler. Paul set in with my band one night. Great drummer. Solid as a rock.
Unbelievable drumming. Great feel and time. Super relaxed. Doesn’t have to hit hard. Master at what he does/
That level that these guys are showing in there needs just one word: GODMODE!
Perfection brought to you by Vic Firth and Mr. Leim.
Every session there is so amazing , I surly miss that.
This guy was a major influence on my studio drumming. Awesome player!
At 5:58 he sums up what it's all about, I've never played a session, but I did do voiceover work while I was in Nashville, and trust me, when studio time is booked and the meter's running, you'll feel the pressure..
man, Paul is living the life. Banging out tunes in the studio and getting paid well for it. What a dream. Country wouldn't be my first choice but it's playing music for a living. I'll take it! :D
Thanks Mr. Leim!! It's so great to get lessons from one of the Masters of country music!!!
I remember watching this a long time ago. I found it again, wanting to check the personnel of "(I've had) The Time of My Life", since it's grooving so hard. This guy shows up. What an amazing and groovy musician! Big respect, Mr Leim!
As an engineer nothing is better than musicians that can really PLAY!! love it
Except that they never play more than the most vanilla stuff possible to appease the sheep they are shilling this stuff to. What difference does it make how good they are when all we get is the same boring shit over and over again out of Nashville?
Wow what a treat! Running across Paul some 30 years ago and learned a tremendous amount. He was my Carter Beaufort before Carter Beauford.
Just because these guys make it look so easy anyone could do it doesn't mean its easy. Wow Paul is an amazing musician as is this whole band! Its always amazing to me how musicians at this level can make it look so easy. Its also amazing just how tight and rock solid the rhytm is and how there is not one thing that is too much or too little. Loved it!!
they've recorded forever so its pretty easy for them but that's the only reason. They know every little nuance to throw in or remove, and when to do it. Is amazing.
Much respect Paul from New Zealand. Your body of work has inspired me over the years x
3 Quick things to say here:
1) I LOVE Drummers who can THINK!
2) I can do without drum machines & samples...who simply CANNOT.
...and...
3) THANK YOU PAUL for being such an integral part of Brown Bannister's early & very essential sessions for Amy Grant's early season of albums. Your percussive backbone, made those recordings BEAUTIFUL!
BCRadio
WOW! Thank you so much for making this video. My 15-year-old son, who is my drummer, and I just watched this video and loved, its been a while since I've been in the studio, but to let him watch you write number charts and redo them, and punch in, and create like a fine oiled machine, was poetry in motion. Such a blessing. Thanks again to both Vic Firth and Paul Leim for doing it. Oh and my boy loves playing his Vic Firth sticks. They're his favorites.
Why do people who are utterly clueless insist on commenting on videos like this?
Do you have any idea how hard it is to play this well? If you could play as well as Paul Leim, you'd be working in Nashville. But I guarantee all your "innovative feel chops and drum sounds" would get you fired off this record in a heartbeat. Paul overdubbed the tom fill because the part was asked for by the producer, after the main take was done.
The idea that this is "business-people's music" is ludicrous. These guys are on this session BECAUSE they can get it done fast, so that it doesn't cost a lot of money to the person who actually wrote the song. It has nothing to do with what they want to play. It could very well be that the songwriter spent 5 months working on the song before this. It's irrelevant.
The arrogance it takes to insult some of the best, most consistent, and musical players in the world is also the reason you are not one of them.
Thank you.
davidfmmacd amen.
+davidfmmacd
And then again, it DOES sound like all the other millions of country takes, regardless how well Paul Leim played the parts and how well theyfir into the style of music - but that's not the musicians fault, it's the song writer's. And this still is a demo tape.
He overplayed the HiHat though. Strange that even Pros still do that. It clearly overpowers the snare in the mix. I first suspected this was because it was just a rough mix for this video, but if you look closely you can observe him smashing the hats harder than even his snare drum.
Thank you David,, appreciate the comment.. I cannot believe how nasty guys can get. All the best. Paul
Wish there was more studio video of you Paul - even though it might bring more idiotic comments - there is so much that serious players could learn from watching you
Very cool to see professionals in action. Thanks for sharing a glimpse!
Love that part about walking on the vocal.
I'm working with my very favorite vocalist, who used to sing with the guys in STP in the 90's. He's in SoCal, and I'm in Detroit, so I did a demo for him here, and one of the things I was very conscious of, was not to step on his vocals with a fill...
Free education from Paul on so many points
I"m in pure heaven! Love seeing this process!!!!
Great glimpse into the high pressured world of a session musician.
Awesome! The drums sounded good. I'm a session player South of Nashville in Murfreesboro
I most certainly learned alot from being that I'm currently recording myself and well have less experience. I digged the double layers and the "punch in" i just love how he took control of the whole situation like a true profressional and that's something I'm still learning. OWN IT! Mistakes and all. Thanx for this PAUL!
I love learning about drums, music and the business. thank you for the time and insight.
Loved watching this process and a small insight on how leading and taking input to come to a finished product. And...I don't even do country music. Paul you are living the dream.
What a great video! It's really fascinating to see how things are developed in the studio. Paul Leim, you are a CLASS act, sir!
The knowledge provided here is INCREDIBLE!
WOW,what a bunch of great guys!
Thanks for giving us a peak behind the curtain Paul! Really great seeing some pros laying it down! Back to the woodshed I go.
One of my all time favourite country drummers!!
Really informative. Amazing, the talent assembled in that room.
Thanks for the look inside. You guys are fantastic!
Thank you for this insight into the process. Amazing to see real pros at work.
Wow, these are real pro’s at work. Thanks so much for posting this!
I think I already commented on this video a few years ago-but Paul, this is awesome to see y’all doing your thing! Thank you for this! I met you in Toronto back in 2003, for a Yamaha Hang and you were so lovely to me! All the best! 🤜🏻🤛🏻
Paul you are a fantastic drum arranger and even a better player! Your creative energy really makes the song.
High level professionals.
Thanks for the clinic, Paul!
Groove, consistency and efficiency....love it!
One of the best examples of a streamlined drum recording session I’ve ever seen. Holy shit.
This is invaluable insight into the day to day, on the ground, working side of the music industry. People who dismiss this as corporate fluff are fixating on Paul's very clear explanation of the basic economics of the business. Those economics apply not just to this style of music but to any style, anytime producers are hiring players to make demos, produce content for different media outlets, etc. If you have a massive pile of cash at hand and can afford to pay musicians long hours to experiment, or if you don't expect to make any money at it and you have somehow found other musicians who don't care about being paid for their time, then those ideas don't apply. But for working musicians, that's simply the business.
love... love.... love this video. thanks Paul & Vic Firth. very insightful!
Brother I didn't understand a thing you were talking about. But man I loved listening to what you were talking about and doing. It is truly great listening to a real pro. I am a life long fan of yours.
And this is how its done, amazing process. well done Paul, it is a stunning view on how extremely well versed everyone is with how a song is constructed.
Much respect for your skills and for what you do. Thank you for sharing a session with us!
Love the behind the scenes on how music is produced and recorded!!
This cat is at the top of his craft...WOW...the stuff you NEVER get in drum instructional videos...WELCOME TO THE STUDIO!
This is awesome! Im a DIY amature musician writer producer working on my 20th original cd. 'In the studio' videos like this get me inspired. Thank You & God Bless
Crazy that this is only a demo. I can’t imagine the precision and discussions in the master recording
Way cool!!!! These guys are top notch musicians.
Damn that was awesome! Love the duct tape muffling device, learned something new there.
Im 21 love here in Houston and I would love to meet this legend Paiste all day !!!
WOW!!! Thank you VicFirth for the great sticks and amazing culture you guys continue to make for our drumming community. Paul, it's an honor to get an inside glimpse of your process. You're the most rock solid and legit drummer we can think of and paved the way for us. I do understand how people will tear down an artist. It's a survival mechanism, a primal defense, that people use due to exposure to malignant people in their lives. For me, I need to learn how to remember that reacting to these people is a conscience choice and I don't need to go there. I digress, thanks again Paul. Be well.
Found my way here looking for a record producer.. The brilliance and energy of this group sure gives a perfect picture of what I had in mind.. the question is how does a beginner get a foot in THAT door with new songs and a new artist...??
“People ask ‘how can I get in?’” Move to a town with a music scene that’s not big yet, find a group of guys you work well with, do this for 30 years, and hope it blows up like Nashville did.
Great playing, and exactly what the song called for!
I really enjoyed watching your video. It was a wake-up call. We are in the process of purchasing the Rupert Neve Design 5080 48 input. However, only one session player is up to your level. I know you know how lucky you are. I can’t imagine having a group of friends with your talent in one room. I’m blown away. I am also jealous you have a team of people. You are one blessed group. Cheers to all of you.🎉
This is awesome. Very creative, very fast and it sounds killer. Love to see how the pros make this song come alive. Well done!
WOW! what a fantastic insight of how it is to be a top musician we have witnessed . Its cool to have chops and stuff but people...YA GOTTA HAVE GOOD EARS!!!
Great share, thanks. So cool to see this being done.
Now I record myself by myself playing every instrument in my home studio working with new material it s really fun how all of it comes together in music .never had my own band
Awesome! Thanks Paul!
I'll never forget when you decided to change the snare strand out at the Opry and you finished doing it right when the curtains started opening. It gave me anxiety watching it!!! Lol but at the same time was very impressive!!! Love your playing playing Paul and Blessings Brother!!!!
That sir, was a whole lot of fun. Thanks so much for sharing this look inside a session. Loved it!
Paul - thanks for sharing this. Very interesting collaboration, workflow, and personalities!
Love it...God Bless Paul...
the speed and professionalism and perfection here , is shocking to somebody who has never been in a studio wow, so that's how it's done
Whoa!!
Paul, just keep being you my man and putting out that groove you are known for. Obviously some folks haven't done their homework on your catalog of work. Nice job with the TRBB at the Inauguration and tell Jeff Cox I said hey.
Wow. So much experience and professionalism. I aspire to be like you sir. Talent is dripping off of you!